Kite-flying control reel

ABSTRACT

In the representative embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein, a hand-held control reel is provided with a drum for carrying a plurality of parallel control lines adapted to be connected to selected points on a kite. By releasably coupling a crank to the drum, the control lines can be quickly wound onto the drum when the kite is to be pulled in; but the crank will be disengaged to prevent the crank from striking the user when the lines are being unspooled to let the kite out. To regulate the speed at which the control lines can be unreeled, the assembly is provided with a trigger-actuated brake. Alternative line-control mechanisms are shown which are cooperatively arranged to selectively vary the length of one control line in relation to the others for directing the kite into various maneuvers. Of particular significance, the new and improved reel assembly is provided with an arm rest adapted to engage the underside of the user&#39;&#39;s forearm and a pistol grip for positioning the user&#39;&#39;s index finger adjacent to the brake control trigger.

United States Patent i191 Williams KITEJLYING CONTROL REEL [76] Inventor: Dale E. Williams, 221 Crescent Dr.,

. Pasadena, Tex. 77502 22] Filed: Nov.. 1, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 302,651

[52] US. Cl 244/155 A [51] Int. Cl. 1364c 31/06 [58] Field of Search 242/96, 99, 85 R, 106; v 244/155 A, 155 R, 153 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,354,805 8/1944 Fey 242/99 X 2,600,049 6/1952 .Crider 244/155 A UX 3,355,129 11/1967' Kinsey 244/155 A 3,647,155 3/1972 Jorgenson 242/106 3,086,739 4/1963 Barber 244/155 A FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 99,504 6/1923 Switzerland 242/96 Primary Examiner.Milton' Buchler Assistant Examiner-Paul E. Sauberer [451 Apr. 30, 1974 57] ABSTRACT will be disengaged to prevent the crank from striking the user when the lines are being unspooled to let the kite out. To regulate the speed at which the control lines can be unreeled, the assembly is provided with a trigger-actuated brake. Alternative line-control mechanisms are shown which are cooperatively arranged to selectively vary the length of one control line in relation to the others for directing the kite into various maneuvers; Of particular significance, the new and improved reel assembly is provided with an arm rest adapted to engage the underside of the users forearm and a pistol grip for positioning the users index finger adjacent to the brake control trigger.

5 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures PATENTEDA RB 191 38071572 SHEI 1 [1F 3 PATENTEUAPRBOIQM smears MN mm KITE-FLYING CONTROL REEL Various devices have, of course, been proposed heretofore for controlling the maneuvers of kites. For the large part, however, these prior control assemblies have either been so bulky that a child can not conveniently operate both the kite and the assembly or else the assembly is so simplified that only a minimum degree of control is attainable.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved hand-held control reel for use with an airborne kite which can be directed by one or more control lines.

This and other objects of the present invention are attained by journalling a spool or drum on a frame and releasably coupling a crank to the drum in such a manner that a number of control lines can be rapidly spooled onto the drum as the crank is operated but the crank will be uncoupled from the drum as the control lines are payed out. The frame is provided with a rearwardly-directed arm rest and a conveniently positioned hand-grip which allow the user to easily guide the new and improved control reel as well as to locate the users hand adjacent to a trigger for selectively controlling a drum-braking mechanism. In one embodiment of the new and improved control reel assembly, each of the control lines are respectively directed over pulleys cooperatively mountedon the frame for selective positioning so as to controllably vary the relative extended lengths of one or more of the control lines in guiding the maneuvers of the airborne kite. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the lengths of the control lines are selectively varied with respect to one another by a multi-armed spider assembly which is mounted on the forward end of the new and improved reel assembly in such a manner that by tilting the assembly in relation to the longitudinal axes of the extended control lines, one 'or more of the control lines will be foreshortened in relation to the others.

While only particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is apparent that changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention in its broader aspects; and therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the truespirit and scope of thisinvention.

FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a control reel incorporating the principles of the present invention as it will appear when equipped with three individual control lines for controlling an airborne kite;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are side and plan views of the reel assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4-6 are cross-sectional views respectively taken along the lines 4-4, 55 and 6-6 in FIGS. 2 and 3; and

FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-6 but provided with a different linecontrolling device for selectively varying the paid-out length of one or more of the control lines in relation to the others.

Turning now to FIG. 1, one embodiment is shown of a new and improved reel assembly 10 arranged in accordance with the principles of the present invention and particularly adapted for controlling the flight of an airborne kite 11 having selected portions thereof respectively coupled to the distant ends of a number of control lines such as small wires or stout cords 12-14. It is, of course, well known that by respectively tying the distant ends of each of the control lines 12-14 to a different connection point on a kite, as at 11, and pulling in on one control line while the others are left relatively still, the kite will tend to veer in the direction of the pull. The rapidity and duration of this maneuver will naturally be related to the quickness and extent of the pull on the control line. Similarly, a pull on two of the three control lines 12-14 in relation to the third line will produce a similar maneuver for causing the kite II to move laterally with respect to the generally longitudinal axes of the several control lines.

As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the new and improved reel 10 includes a stylized frame 15 which is preferably shaped to simulate either a submachine gun or some fanciful configuration which will be appealing to a child. To carry the several control lines 12-14, the central portion of the frame 15 is suitably shaped to carry a spool or drum 16 which is mounted on an axle 17 journalled between the opposite side walls 18 and 19 of the frame for rotation about a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the frame. Although the drum 16 may be divided into individual line- .carrying sections to keep the control lines 12-14 separate, it has been found satisfactory to arrange the drum as a uniform cylinder and simply allow the several lines to be wound together as a group on the drum. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it has been found better to size the drum 16 so that each revolution of the drum will pay-out or reel-in about ten to fifteen inches of each of the control lines 12-14.

To drive the drum 16, a gear 20 is mounted on one end of the drum shaft 17 adjacent to the outer face of one side wall of the frame 15 and cooperatively arrange to intermesh with a driving gear 21 which is operatively carried on a second transverse shaft 22 which is journalled between the two side walls 18 and 19 to the rear of the shaft 17. As will subsequently be explained in more detail, a crank 23 is cooperatively coupled to the driving gear 21 for driving the gear. It will, of course, be recognized that by sizing the driving gear 21 to be two or three times larger than the driven gear 20, one revolution of the crank 23 will turn the drum two or three revolutions to pay-out or reel-in about 2 to 3 feet of thecontrol lines 12-14. Accordingly, in the preferredembodiment of the present invention, an airborne kite, as at 11, coupled to the control lines 12-14 can be rapidly raised and lowered without undue effort and in a minimum period of time.

It will, of course, be appreciated that if it is desired to let the kite ll climb rapidly under its own power, the rapid pay-out of the control lines 12-14 could cause the crank 23 to turn "at a high speed of rotation in proportion to the gearing ratio of the two gears 20 and 21.

. Since this would present a hazard to a child, the new and improved reel assembly 10 is cooperatively arranged to selectively disengage the crank when the drum 16 is rotated to pay-out the control lines 12-14. As best seen in FIG. 4, therefore, the shaft 22 is movably disposed within a complementally shaped tubular member 24 mounted transversely between the side walls 18 and 19. To normally urge the gear 21 as well as the crank 23 outwardly away from the frame 15, the free portion of the shaft 22 is reduced, as at 25, and a coil spring 26 is coaxially disposed within the tube 24 and around the reduced shaft portion. The outer end of the tube 24 is closed by an annular member or plug 27 appropriately shaped to provide a stop for the spring 26 as well as to serve as a journal or bearing for the reduced shaft portion 25. A stop, such as a snap ring 28 or the like, is mounted on'the end of the reduced shaft portion to prevent inadvertent removal of the shaft 22 from the frame 15.

It will be appreciated, therefore, that by virtue of the unique mounting arrangement of the shaft 22 and the crank 23, the spring 26 will normally hold the gear 21 a sufficient distance away from the frame wall 19 that the gear 21 will be disengaged from the gear 20. Thus, in this position, the crank 23 will not be rotated by rotation of the drum 16. On the other hand, when it is desired to wind in the control lines 12-14, it is necessary only to push in on the crank 23 to re-engage the crank gear 21 with the drum gear 20. As a further safety feature, somewhat triangularly shaped guards 29 and 30 are respectively arranged on the side wall 18 above and below the junction of the gears 20 and 21 to prevent a child from inadvertently getting a finger caught between the gears as the crank 23 is being turned.

In keeping with the objects of the present invention,

the new and improved reel assembly is also cooperatively arranged to provide selective control of the rotational speed of the drum 16 as the control lines 12-14 are being paid-out under the power of the kite 11. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention and as best seen in FIG. 5, this is accomplished by pivotally mounting an upright flapper-like brake member 31 on a shaft 32 arranged transversely between the frame side walls 18 and 19 and immediately to the rear of the drum 16. By means, such as a stout tension spring 33 coupled between the frame and the brake member 31, the forward face of the brake member is normally urged into frictional contact with either the rims of the drum 16 or the control lines 12-14 spooled thereon. To selectively release the brake 31, a trigger 34 is slidably mounted in longitudinal grooves, as at 35, in the side walls 18 and 19 of the frame 15 and spatially disposed to the rear of the brake member. The trigger 34 is coupled, as by a link 36, to the brake 31 for selectively reducing the drag imposed thereby on the drum 16.

Of particular significance to the present invention, the new and improved reel assembly 10 is further arranged to provide means for conveniently and comfortably holding the reel assembly as well as operating the crank 23 and trigger 34. As illustrated, this is accomplished by arranging the central portion of the frame 15 to define a rearwardly facing enlarged opening, as at 37, of sufficient size to comfortably receive the closed hand of at least a child. An upright hand grip 38 of appropriate size and configuration is mounted in the enlarged opening 37 and secured between the upper and lower walls 39 and 40 of the frame 15 just behind the trigger 34 so as to normally place the index finger of a user in position to comfortably grip the trigger. It should also be noted that by extending the side walls 18 and 19 to the rear of the hand grip 38, the users fingers are fully guarded against being struck by the crank 23 as it is being operated.

As a particularly important feature of the present invention, the lower wall 40 of the frame 15 is, as shown at 41, extended well to the rear of the hand grip 38 and the side walls 18 and 19 are similarly extended to define an upwardly facing longitudinal recess 42 of sufficient dimensions to comfortably receive at least the underside of the wrist and a portion of the forearm of a user. At least the rearwardmost portions of the side walls 18 and 19 and the extension or arm rest 41 are curved or shaped as illustrated to define an upturned.

yoke-like fork 43 adapted to comfortably receive the opposite sides of the users forearm at least immediately to the rear of his wrist. If desired, padding (not shown) can be used to line the fork 43 for providing a more-comfortable fit for the user.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the new and improved reel assembly 10 of the present invention is particularly well suited for being carried with only one hand of the user so as to leave the other hand of the user completely free to operate the crank 23. By virtue of the cooperation of the extended arm rest 41 and the hand grip 38, the weight of the reel 10 as well as any forces tending to tilt the forward end of the frame 15 downwardly are comfortably counteracted by the underside of the users forearm. Similarly, the hand grip 38 and the upturned yoke 43 cooperate to allow the user to readily counter any lateral forces which would otherwise tend to pivot the reel assembly 10 horizontally in the users hand grasping thehand grip. As a result, it will be appreciated that this new and versatile design of the reel assembly 10 will permit the user to freely direct the reel by simply moving his one arm; and his other arm will be freed for operating the crank 23 as desired.

As previously mentioned, to produce certain maneuvers in the airborne kite 11 connected to the distant ends of the control lines 12-14, it is necessary to temporarily shorten either one or two of the control lines in relation to the others. To achieve this with the new and improved reel assembly 10, as best seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6, each of the control lines 12-14 is directed over a suitable idler pulley, as at 44-46, respectively journalled on fixed transverse axles 47 and 48 secured to the forward portion of the reel assembly. After being doubled back over the stationary idler pulleys 44-46, each of the control lines 12-14 is individually directed over a selectively positionable pulley, as at 49-51, respectively journalled on movable transverse axles 52-54 slidably disposed in opposite longitudinal grooves, as at 55-57, which are arranged in the side walls 18 and 19 between the drum 16 and the stationary idler pulleys. Pulley control'means, such as flexible rods or wires 58-60 having their forward ends respectively coupled to rearwardly-directed end extensions 61-63 from the axles 52-54, are cooperatively arranged for selectively pulling the movable pulleys 49-51 rearwardly toward the drum 16 against the forward bias provided by the pull of the airborne kite 11 against the extended control lines 12-14. To better assure that the control lines 12-14 will not become tangled, a slotted line guide 64 is pivoted, as at 65, just ahead of the drum 16 and provided with longitudinal slots, as at 66, for separating the control lines just before they pass over the idler pulleys 44-46.

To selectively regulate the movement of the pulley control links 58-60 and the relative position of the movable pulleys 49-51, the rearward ends of each of the control links are coupled to a control head 67 which, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, is a hemispherical member hollowed out, as at 68, and movably fitted on a complementary generally spherical member 69 mounted on a rearwardly inclined shaft or support 70 arranged on the rear of the frame 15 just above the hand grip 38. By respectively coupling the rearward ends of the several control links 58-60 to circumferentially spaced tie-points on the movable head 67, a turning or tilting movement of the head in relation to the spherical member 69 will be effective for pulling either one or two of the movable pulleys 49-51 rearwardly along the frame 15 as the other movable pulley or pulleys is shifted forwardly by the pull of the kite 11. This relative motion between the several movable pulleys 49-51 will, of course, produce a corresponding relative movement between the control lines 1214.'For example, by tilting the control head 67 forwardly on the stationary ball 69, the control links 58 and 59 will move forwardly (by virtue of the line tension in the control lines 12 and 13) and the control link 60 will move rearwardly. This action will, of course, selectively shorten the effective length of the control line 14 in relation to the control lines 12 and 13. Rearward tilting of the control head 67 will conversely lengthen the control line 14 in relation to the control lines 12 and 13. Similarly, by tilting the control head 67 in any direction, the relative lengths of the control lines 12-14 can be selectively adjusted as desired for achieving different flight maneuvers ofthe kite 11.

The significance of the arm extension 41, the yoke 43 and the hand grip 38 should not be overlooked. Thus as previously discussed, since this new and improved arrangement of the frame 15 allows the user to comfortably carry the reel on his left arm, the user is free to either operate the crank 23 or selectively position the control head 67 with his right hand. It should be further noted that since the brake 31 is normally engaged with the drum 16, unwinding the control lines 12-14 is also selectively controlled by the left index finger ofthe user. Accordingly, by moving his left arm and operating the trigger 34 with his left hand, the users right hand is always free as required to regulate the relative lengths of the control lines 12-14 for manuevering the kite 11.

It will, of course, be recognized that additional entertainment can be provided for a child by mounting a device, such as at 71, on the frame for generating a noise when the reel 10 is being used. For example, the noise generator 71 could be adapted to simulate the firing of a sub-machine gun by producing repetitive staccato clicks as the reel 10 is operated. This can be readily accomplished where the noise-maker 71 includes a diaphragm having an inwardly projecting finger mounted thereon and adapted to be repetitively contacted by a series of shoulders or projections spaced around the exterior of one of the rims of the drum 16. Other arrangements can, of course, be provided for generating a selected noise of potential entertainment for a child.

It has also been found that other line-control devices can be used in keeping with the objects of the present invention. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 7, an alternative reel 100 is illustrated. Since the reel 100 differs from the reel 10 in only minor details, it is believed sufficient to say only that in the reel 100 the pulleys 49-51 are fixed in position to serve as idlers and the several control links 58-60 as well as the axle extensions 61-63 are not needed. The control head 67 is, of course, also unnecessary.

'To accomplish the control of the lengths of the several lines 112-114, the forward end of the frame 115 of the reel is provided with a multi-armed spider assembly 101 having three forwardly and outwardly extending arms 102-104. To mount the spider 101, it is preferred to spatially dispose the outstanding arms 102-104 at equal intervals around a tubular support 105 which is adapted to be secured on the forward end of the frame 115. Line guides or eyes 106-108 are preferably arranged on the outer ends of the arms 102-104 to ease the passage of the control lines 112-114 as they are being reeled-in or paid-out.

Accordingly, to use the new and improved reel 100, it will be appreciated that the reel needs only to be tilted in relation to the longitudinal axis of the frame 115 so as to move either one or two of the eyes 106-108 to the rear of the other one or two eyes for foreshortening the control lines 112-114 as desired to achieve a desired maneuver of the airborne kite (not shown) coupled thereto. The selective operation of the crank 123 will, of course, be the same as previously described with respect to the reel 10.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the present invention has provided new and improved control reels for selectively guiding the maneuvers of the airborne kite. By virtue of the cooperative interaction of the hand grip and arm rest on the disclosed reels of the present invention, a user can support the reel entirely with one arm thereby leaving his other hand free to operate the hand crank asrequired. 1n the one embodiment of the present invention disclosed in FIGS. 1-6, a series of selectively movable pulleys are readily positioned by a convenient single control for adjusting the relative lengths of the control lines as required to achieve various maneuvers. On the other hand, in the alternative embodiment of the present invention disclosed in FIG. 7, regulation of the relative lengths of the control lines is accomplished by simply tilting the reel assembly in relation to its longitudinal axis.

While only particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is apparent that changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention in its broader aspects; and, therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus adapted for controlling the flight of an airborne kite and comprising:

a frame having forward, intermediate and rearward portions arranged along a longitudinal axis;

a drum cooperatively journalled on said intermediate frame portion for rotation about a first transverse axis and adapted for carrying at least three kite control lines; 1

means adapted for supporting said frame including an upright hand grip cooperatively arranged .on said frame between said drum and said rearward frame portion and adapted for reception by the hand of a user, and means on said rearward portion adapted to receive the underside of at least the wrist of a user to steady said frame against rotation in the hand of a user holding said hand grip; and

drum-driving means including a first gear cooperatively journalled on said intermediate frame portion for rotation about said first transverse axis and coupled to said drum,'a second gear rotatably journalled on said intermediate frame portion for rotation about a second transverse axis and cooperatively arranged for lateral movement along said second transverse axis between one position where said second gear is drivingly engaged with said first gear and another position where said second gear is disengaged from said first gear, a crank cooperatively coupled to said second gear, and means normally biasing said second gear toward its said other position for preventing rotation of said crank so long as said gears are disengaged.

2. The kite-control apparatus of claim 1 further including:

3. The kite-control apparatus of claim 1 further in-' cluding:

means cooperatively arranged on said forward frame portion for selectively varying the effective lengths of control lines spooled on said drum in relation to each other when such lines are extended outwardly beyond said forward frame portion.

4. The kite-control apparatus of claim 3 wherein said linelength varying means include:

an assembly mounted on said forward frame portion and having a plurality of outstanding arms extending uniformly outwardly from said forward frame portion in different lateral directions away from said longitudinal axis and respectively adapted to carry only a single one of such control lines spooled on said drum on the outer ends of said arms so that tilting of said frame will change the relative positions of said outer ends of said arms.

5. The kite-control apparatus of claim 3 wherein said line length varying means include:

a first set of idler pulleys respectively journalled on first transverse axles fixed on said forward frame portion for individually carrying a single one of such control lines spooled on said drum, a second set of idler pulleys respectively journalled on second transverse axles slidably mounted on said forward frame portion for individual longitudinal movement between a forward position adjacent to said first pulleys and a rearward position more removed from said first pulley, and pulley-positioning means cooperatively arranged on said frame and coupled to each of said second pulleys for selectively moving each of said second pulleys in relation to one another. 

1. Apparatus adapted for controlling the flight of an airborne kite and comprising: a frame having forward, intermediate and rearward portions arranged along a longitudinal axis; a drum cooperatively journalled on said intermediate frame portion for rotation about a first transverse axis and adapted for carrying at least three kite control lines; means adapted for supporting said frame including an upright hand grip cooperatively arranged on said frame between said drum and said rearward frame portion and adapted for reception by the hand of a user, and means on said rearward portion adapted to receive the underside of at least the wrist of a user to steady said frame against rotation in the hand of a user holding said hand grip; and drum-driving means including a first gear cooperatively journalled on said intermediate frame portion for rotation about said first transverse axis and coupled to said drum, a second gear rotatably journalled on said intermediate frame portion for rotation about a second transverse axis and cooperatively arranged for lateral movement along said second transverse axis between one position where said second gear is drivingly engaged with said first gear and another position where said second gear is disengaged from said first gear, a crank cooperatively coupled to said second gear, and means normally biasing said second gear toward its said other position for preventing rotation of said crank so long as said gears are disengaged.
 2. The kite-control apparatus of claim 1 further including: drum-braking means including a brake member cooperatively arranged on said intermediate frame portion for movement between a first position in braking contact with said drum and a second position out of contact with said drum, a brake control member movably arranged on said intermediate frame portion adjacent to said hand grip and adapted for operation by the hand of a user holding said hand grip, and means interconnecting said brake member and said brake-control member.
 3. The kite-control apparatus of claim 1 further including: means cooperatively arranged on said forward frame portion for selectively varying the effective lengths of control lines spooled on said drum in relation to each other when such lines are eXtended outwardly beyond said forward frame portion.
 4. The kite-control apparatus of claim 3 wherein said line length varying means include: an assembly mounted on said forward frame portion and having a plurality of outstanding arms extending uniformly outwardly from said forward frame portion in different lateral directions away from said longitudinal axis and respectively adapted to carry only a single one of such control lines spooled on said drum on the outer ends of said arms so that tilting of said frame will change the relative positions of said outer ends of said arms.
 5. The kite-control apparatus of claim 3 wherein said line length varying means include: a first set of idler pulleys respectively journalled on first transverse axles fixed on said forward frame portion for individually carrying a single one of such control lines spooled on said drum, a second set of idler pulleys respectively journalled on second transverse axles slidably mounted on said forward frame portion for individual longitudinal movement between a forward position adjacent to said first pulleys and a rearward position more removed from said first pulley, and pulley-positioning means cooperatively arranged on said frame and coupled to each of said second pulleys for selectively moving each of said second pulleys in relation to one another. 